Sabbatical: Day 5

We returned to the Mount of Olives and spent some time sharing testimonies of our christian experiences. This location affords us a view of most of the places that Jesus was in during his last hours before the crucifixion. There is some distances between the Garden, Temple, house of Caiaphas and Golgotha, up and down some steep slopes as you traverse the valleys that divide this landscape. Hard traveling when on foot. When we moved to the Garden of Gethsemane there was a sweet perfume in the air. I sang quietly "I come to the Garden with him" and just like the song he was walking right beside me with his arm on my shoulder. I was with a large group of pilgrims and totally alone with my Lord at the same time. Time stood still and I was in perfect worship, all my soul pouring out praise, adoration and love to my Jesus and my God. I can't tell you much about this place but the presence of the Lord was Divine. Our Guide nudged me and said it was time to go and I begged for a few more minutes, he understood, in the ten minutes extra he waited on me I ask God for a touch in my body. All this walking was taking a toll, God moved and I received strength and my pain disappeared.Walking out the gate our guide patted me on my arm and spoke a few words in Hebrew. I felt a warmth of love and fellowship with this man. He is Jewish through and through but we are brothers just the same. I ask him latter in the day what his words were in English.  "A Nazarite indeed" was his blessing to me.

We re-entered the old city through the Lion's Gate and made our way to Anne's Church. We sang and sang great worship songs as we lifted our voices in praise. Pastor Hagee preached a message about the anointing of the Holy Ghost and how God's servants were used. He invited any of us to come to the front and be anointed with oil, I almost ran. Sweet smelling anointing oil covered my forehead as God wrapped me in his arms. I was in his presence. Perfect peace, joy unspeakable, energy.......so I shouted......Holy....Holy...Holy and moved out into the bright sunshine...closer to God. 

Before we loaded on the bus to go to our next destination Nancy had a big scare. The restrooms were about half a block away and we took advantage before our long ride ahead. Some how the attendant at the ladies room locked the outer door with sister Nancy inside. The lock was on the outside of the door and no escape. Nancy began to yell and kick the door, I heard the kicking sound as it rang through the courtyard but was too far away to recognize her voice. I saw people running to the area and got worried that I could not see Nancy. Just as I headed in that direction the grounds keeper shot through the crowd and opened the door. Out popes my sweet, quite Nancy looking like a angry lion ready to strike. Many words were exchanged between the grounds keeper and the lady attendant......she had done this before and had a smug grin on her face. We chose to forgive.....but.....the excitement lasted for quite a while. 

We rode to an Israeli check point where day-laborers came over from Palestine. We were introduced to the man that was the chief architect of the security fence. This is a buffer zone created to give some measure of safety from the Radical Muslims that invade Israel. At this checkpoint the peaceful Muslims that desire to work in Israel are given a safe entrance. At places the fence is a wall, a tall wall, but most of the fence is ten foot chain link with razor wire on top. The wall is in the areas where rifle fire can reach Israeli homes. The conflict is calm for the most part here in Jerusalem but there is still need for caution. We learned that this very morning, while we were at Anne's Church a terrorist had been shot a few miles from where we were standing. (after he had stabbed two policemen) Our speaker wanted us to know that this wall was built to be easily removed and was not intended to be permanent. he felt that it removed temptation because of it's tallness. The homes in this area all have bullet proof windows facing Palestine. The hate that we hear about in America is being inflamed from several relatively small factions. The hope of peace is a common subject of discussion here in Israel and most people on both sides pray for peace. If America and Russia would shut off the cash flow to these terrorists the problem would move to a swifter conclusion. Our Architect shared with us that he personally has briefed both Obama and Clinton as to the situation. They both still side with the radical factions and have kept the purse open in every way possible. 

We returned to the hotel for yet another wonderful meal and much needed rest. Our days are slipping past in a rush, our hearts and heads are full to the overflowing....God is HERE!

Sabbatical: Day 4

This being the Sabbath we started the day in the hotel briefing room. Our speaker was a Palestinian Affairs Correspondent. He shared his roll in keeping a balance to the reporting of Palestinian news. He told us that most Palestinian people are not angry with Israel and want peace to prevail but that none of the leaders have the courage to publicly state these views. The radical factions are hated as much by the Palestinian people as they are by the rest of the world and there is fear of reprisal if the leaders were to speak out. The news I hear in America never speaks of the Palestinian/Israel relationship in a positive manner and I was surprised to learn that Israel is full of Palestinian people that will stay in Israel even if a two-state solution is reached. They are safe in Israel and enjoy that safety. 

All of our tour today will be on foot because our guide is observant of the Sabbath. (no cars, phones or electricity used) From our hotel we walked up the home of Caiaphas and I stood in the room where Jesus was held on the night of his arrest. This room was a ceremonial cleansing pool with two sets of steps, one to enter (unclean) and the other to exit after cleansing. When Jesus was put there it had about four feet of water in it and it would have been easy to guard. The roof has a hole about eighteen inches wide to fill the pool with rain water. This pool is the same pool used to cleans the High Priest before he went into the Holy of Hollies once a year. How fitting that our Saviour was put into this room before he (as our High Priest) went to the cross. The air was electric in that room as I could feel the glory of God filling every fiber of my being. I was on the mind of my Jesus as he faced the cross for me and in that room all I had on my mind was his love for me.

Out in the garden we sat where Peter sat as he denied knowing Jesus. Pastor Scott preached a sermon of forgiveness for Peter and for all of us to consider. Peter was told ahead of time that he would fail and fail he did but repentance brought him relief and victory. We should never plan to fail but when we do fail there is Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace through our loving Saviour.

Down the way we were at the pool of Bethesda and walked the Via Dolorosa through the Arab market and on to the upper room. Each step was marked with information as to the ministry of Jesus. Our guide went a little to fast in this area and we lagged behind. I was not up to his fast pace as by now we had covered over four miles. Not since boot camp had I carried a heavy pack on such a long journey (boot camp was forty five years ago). I thought of the pain of Jesus as he carried that heavy cross. I thought of the beating he received. I thought of the weight of sin he was facing for me and I could not complain. In the upper room we spoke of family, togetherness and the sharing of the first communion. Love was the theme and that is what I felt, Love, Love and more Love. Back out into the market area we shared lunch and did a little shopping. The Arab merchants treated us in a most friendly manner, even when we did not spend any money with them. These people were citizens of Israel and told us of their love for Israel and America. (not what I expected) I found one man that was a Dallas Cowboys Fan and he thought that maybe I played football for them because I was so big and I was from Texas. Lots of friendship, laughing and fun in this market.

As we began our turn back to the hotel we passed the south wall of the old city and sat on the steps of the Temple Mount. These were the very steps that Jesus walked as they took him into the city to complete his trial. I walked back and forth on these stones to be sure that my foot would land on a spot that Jesus had touched himself. I was exhausted from all this walking but an anointing rested upon me as I prayed (in tongues) and thanked my Lord for loving me and calling me into his family. I remember how lost I was and how sweet the relief when my sin was destroyed on an old fashion alter of mourning. Tears flowed like a rain from my eyes, tears of joy. I was there, me, standing on the Temple Steps as much in the presence of God as ever in my life.

By the time we were back to the hotel we had covered almost seven miles, walking, on a hot summer day, carrying  heavy pack and ready for a needed rest. We still had a banquet to attend with Pastor Hagee, so, up to our room to clean up and back down to another five course meal and some real private time with this wonderful man and his wife. They opened up to us, answered all our questions, and shared their vision for American/Israeli relationships. My first Sabbath in Israel.....a perfect day!  

Marriage Supper

Everything is ready. Invitations sent, R.S.V.P.s received. Place mats printed and on the table. What a beautiful table it is. now it's time to open the door and call the guests inside to the grandest gathering in human history........The Marriage Supper of the Lamb! See you there?

9-13-2015      Luke 11:27-28

S.       27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the pap’s which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

O.      Obeying the word is as important as hearing it.

A.      I will read, sing, listen and consume God’s word as my daily portion. I will, with the help of the Holy Spirit, live within the Grace I find from it!

    P.       Father; thank you for supplying me all I need within the pages of my Bible. Thank you for                calling me out of the darkness of sin into your wonderful light. Lead me each day on my                      journey home. Amen. 

Term Limits......Period!

Let's make America strong and prosperous again. Let's start by registering every Christian to vote and joining all those votes together in the next election. God will direct our voting, if we ask him. Then let's direct the congress to fix the REAL problems in Washington D.C. Term limits for every elected office should go a long way towards shutting down the entrenched crooked power brokers that are never held accountable for their actions. Next we should set term limits on all appointed positions as well. Judges should be bounced off the bench and forced to live in the world they create. Then we should end this "lifetime" pay business as well. The IRS should be abolished and a uniform tax, based on consumption, would remove all the imbalance of our economy. Taxation of a persons property is another unfair situation that needs attention.

more later:

8-21-2015      Luke 9:30-36

S.       30And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. 33And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. 34While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, this is my beloved Son: hear him. 36And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

O.      The transfiguration of Jesus,

A.      God will give man a glimpse of the glory available and awaiting him. God will even speak of these things to man. I will look for God’s glory and listen for his voice.

P.       Father; open my eyes to your glory and my ears to hear your voice. Amen.   

Fear is not of God!

What did the disciples go through on the day between the cross and the resurrection?  Their hope was all gone. Their Lord was dead. They were sure to be next on the crosses of Rome. Fear, worry, doubt, shame and hopelessness was the order of the day. Why? They had been taught, by Jesus himself, that on the third day he would come to life again. They had seen his power as he calmed the sea, fed the multitude, raised the dead and set the demon possessed free. Why doubt now? They were too focused on how they were feeling and not on their faith. People are acting like this right now...... Are you?
Sunday is on the way!

S.O.A.P.

4-4-2015         Romans 13:11-13

S.       11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

O.      Abandon all evil and walk in the light of love and salvation.

A.      Our eyes will not function without light. No light and we are blind. The same is true for our souls. Spiritual blindness is the result of sin. God gives us light from his word to guide us away from sin.

P.       Father; I confess all my sin and ask for the Blood of Jesus to wash me clean. Give me wisdom to implant your word into my mind and the Holy Spirit to remind me of each line. Amen.

Every Person has FAITH!

One fourth of 2015 is in the books. This has been a very hard year in many ways. Still ashamed of the man in the white house and all the folks in congress. This economy boom has missed everybody I know. Our family has lost several loved ones and I am still overweight. I am glad that my faith has not changed. I might be missing me some of my wants ..... But .... ALL of my needs have arrived on time and in good condition. Look to God my friend. He is the WAY, TRUTH AND THE LIFE!

S.O.A.P.

3-31-2015      Romans 12:19-21

S.       19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

O.      This is how Christians are to treat bad people.

A.      This is not normal thinking or actions in American society. I was not raised to be passive. I must have a change of heart and mind to accomplish this type of faith.

P.       Father; create in me this type of spirit and may it shine out of me to those around me. Amen.

Jubilee!

Projects are all behind schedule. Each day puts me farther and farther behind. I will declare a Jubilee, throw out the list and begin again. If you are waiting on me then we need to talk. 

S.O.A.P.

3-17-2015      Romans 11:6-8

S.       And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

O.      The law equals works and Grace equals faith so the Jews needed to believe that Jesus was the way to Grace.

A.      I must base my faith in Jesus and not in legalistic works. Because of this abiding faith I will do many works and these works will bring glory to God, but these works cannot save me.

P.       Father; lead my life by your Holy Spirit and constantly communicate your will to me. Amen. 

Healing Faith Please

Why does life have so much pain? Why do good people suffer? When will it ever end? These thoughts are in my head this morning because of all the suffering I see around me. Sick children running high unexplained temperatures, dear friends with added problems from diabetes, falls, heart malfunction......on and on. The mental stress seems to be as heavy as the physical maladies. I want God to give me a healing type of faith like he gave to the Apostles in the Bible. Pray with me and let's agree together for this gift.


S.O.A.P.

2-22-2015      Romans 8:12-14

S.       12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

O.     How to be a son of God!

A.      I can be totally free from all fleshly bondage by simply inviting the Holy Spirit into my life and then responding to his leadership; less of me, more of God.

     P.            Father in Heaven; fill me so full of your Holy Spirit that no room for my flesh remains. Use me up                  as a servant as I Shepard my flock. Amen. 

Loving Life

What a special Sunday today will be. I will finish my Christmas sermon this morning and the program tonight will be wonderful. I am in awe of my wife's hard work to make so many things come together, both at home and church. We have built our lives around this country church and our family and Christmas time seems to bring all the best parts together. Loving life right now.......thank you Lord.

S.O.A.P.

12-21-2014    Mark 14:27-31

S.       27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.31But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

O.      Peter is foretold of his soon coming denial. None of the disciples thought he would deny Jesus.

A.      I must guard my soul from arrogance and conceit. I must be humble and never think myself to be more than I am.

P.       Father; I am nothing without you, your mercy, grace or your glory. Hold me close Lord and spare me from myself. Teach me the path of true holiness and help me walk therein. Amen.

Seek and Tell

9-1-2014         Acts 28:17-22   Labor Day

S.       17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

O.      Paul is now in Rome and he meets with the Jewish leaders to share with them the reason of his arrest. A time is set to hear Paul’s defence and to learn about the Christian sect.

A.      We must actively seek out people and tell them our testimony. The message of salvation is needed today. People are hurting, sick and afraid and we have the message of hope, healing and love. I will share!

P.       Father; guide my steps today to those that need your love, hope, healing and salvation. Increase my courage and help me speak. Amen.

Protection

8-28-2014      Acts 27:38-44

S.       38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

O.      Day breaks and the sailors see land and a place to take the ship to land. The ship runs aground and is broken up. To save Paul’s life all the prisoners are told to swim or float on parts of the ship to shore. All aboard made it safe to the shore.

A.      God’s protection for us can be extended to those around us. If we are living as willing and obedient servants our journey can be a testimony to those around us. We must follow the Lord in a humble manner and “be” that testimony.

P.       Father; my request is to see and know your will for this day. I submit to your will and ask you to send your Holy 

Spirit to direct me as I go. Amen. 

Listen to God!

8-27-2014      Acts 27:9-37

S.       9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands strake sail, and so were driven.18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

O.      The journey is filled with danger and hardship. God gives Paul knowledge; if all the people stay together, none shall die. The sailors and soldiers do all within their human strength to overcome the terrible storm and save the ship.

A.      Humans will go to great length to make things turn out the way they want them to go. Trusting God is seldom the direction taken. We must first believe in God as the “only true source” of help and direction. Then we must listen to his direction and obey his voice.

P.       Father; speak to me from your word and declare your will. Direct me by your Holy Spirit in all matters of life, both great and small. Amen. 

Apposing Views

8-24-2014      Acts 26:24-29

S.       24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

O.      Festus thinks Paul to be out of his mind (mad) and Agrippa is almost persuaded to become a Christian.

A.      Some will reject and some will accept the message of faith in God. We must tell, tell and re-tell so that many can be saved. Time is short. The lost are many. The workers are so few. We must not be self-centered, looking after our own needs only; we must spread the good news to the lost.

P.       Father; Open our eyes and let us see how few are ready to stand at your Judgment Seat. Stir our souls with a passion for the lost and dyeing. Use us Lord while there is time. Amen.

Stand up

8-22-2014      Acts 26:16-18

S.       16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

O.      Jesus is speaking to Paul on the road to Damascus. Arise and stand on your feet are his first command.

A.      we must stand and declare our message. We must tell the world of the love of God and how God deals directly with his children.

P.       Father: I ask for courage and guidance for this day to spread the gospel. Fill me with your Spirit and use me. Amen.

Meeting Jesus

8-21-2014      Acts 26:12-15

S.       12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

O.      Paul is on a journey to Damascus to arrest Christians and it is at this time he encounters Jesus.

A.      I have encountered Jesus and I know what Paul was talking about. When you meet Jesus you are forced to make a choice. Will you believe or will you turn away? Will you embrace or reject? I believe and embrace Jesus! I trade my sin for forgiveness, my shame for joy and my soul for salvation. I am no longer my own, I am his.

P.       Father; I am yours; I seek to do your will as I surrender my entire being to you. Amen.

Open Doors

8-17-2014      Acts 25: 22-27

S.       22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

O.      Festus brings Paul into the court room a third time, this time to establish a letter of explanation to send along with Paul to Rome. Agrippa is present.

A.      Each step of Paul’s life is filled with new opportunities to tell his story to new people. We must tell and re-tell our story as well. Tell your story to as many as you can.

P.       Father; Thank you for receiving me into your family. Thank you for forgiving me my sin. Thank you for directing my steps. Help me Lord to tell others just how good you have been to me. Amen.

Told and Re-Told

8-16-2014      Acts 25:13-21

S.       13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

O.      King Festus shares his experience with King Agrippa and Bernice concerning Paul. Festus declares that he found nothing worthy of judgment in Paul and would have the matter handled in Jerusalem by Jewish courts but Paul exercised his right as a Roman to be judged by Caesar.

A.      When we are working to spread the gospel many of our listeners will rehearse our words to others. Our work is multiplied and God’s good news becomes a point of interest. We must plant the seed willingly and vigorously to as many as possible. Then and only then is the gospel imprinted into the minds of others that will continue the spreading.  

P.       Father; lead me to the individuals today that I may plant your words in them. Fill me with your spirit and speak through me. Amen.

Citizenship

8-15-2014      Acts 25: 1-12

S.       1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. 1 2 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shalt thou go.

O.      Changes in Roman leadership bring about yet another trial for Paul before Festus. Paul claims his right as a Roman citizen and Festus is constrained to send Paul to Caesar. This ruling stops the Jewish people that were trying to kill Paul.

A.      God will use many different methods to protect his children as they labor for him and obey his voice. This negative circumstance that Paul lived was turned into opportunities to spread the gospel into new and almost inaccessible places.

P.       Father; protect me, fill me and lead me into every place where I can spread your word. Amen.

Two Years in Jail

8-14-2014      Acts 24:24-27

S.       24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

O.      Paul has many opportunities to convert Felix to the faith. Felix never seems to understand or find it “convenient” to become a Christian. Paul was a prisoner for two years with Felix.

A.      We should never give up on anybody as we spread the gospel. Our circumstances may be unpleasant and not to our liking, but the work of the Lord should never stop.

P.       Father; the plight of Paul seems very unfair but you used him to take the gospel into many unreachable places. Help me Lord to focus on your work instead of my circumstances and difficulties. Teach me the same values that Paul lived by and keep me from distractions as I labor for you. Amen. 

Resurrection

8-11-2014      Acts 24:10-16

S.       10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

O.      Paul gives his defence before Felix. He begins with a reference to the Jewish belief in resurrection and how he too has that same hope and faith.

A.      The power of resurrection is alive and stirring my heart today. I declare the resurrection of Jesus from the grave and then my own resurrection from sin. I rejoice in this truth and shout it out loud; I have been resurrected (born again) from my grave of sin and now I live in and through Jesus, The Christ!

P.       Father; Thank you for raising Jesus from the tomb and thank you for calling me out of the grave. Amen.